Craig Newitt declared Lofty Strike would one day win a Group 1 race after his first ride on the colt.
Three months later, Lofty Strike will get that opportunity in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Sandown on Saturday.
Newitt rode Lofty Strike for the first time when the colt was beaten a length behind Roch ‘N’ Horse and Nature Strip in the Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on November 5.
He was back aboard when Lofty Strike resumed to win the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Sandown on February 11, and the scary thing for opponents is Newitt said he had improved.
Newitt and Lofty Strike were back at Sandown on Tuesday morning for another gallop on the course proper with the jockey and trainer Julius Sandhu leaving nothing to chance.
“He’s come on from his first-up run,” Newitt said.
“He pulled-up like he had not had a gallop. He’s improved fitness wise. He’s happy, he’s healthy and he’ll run one hell of a race.”
It was 12 months ago at the corresponding meeting when Lofty Strike was controversially scratched from the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes.
Racing Victoria said the colt was lame and an embargo was placed on him, but there have been no concerns with the colt in his past two campaigns.
Newitt will chase a third win in the Oakleigh Plate, having partnered Snitzel for Gerald Ryan in 2006 and Lankan Rupee for Mick Price in 2014.
He said it was exciting to be get aboard a sprinter of Lofty Strike’s ability.
Newitt said Lofty Strike’s best attribute was his relaxed nature.
“He got a little keen being fresh the other day, but I would suspect with a big field and a bit more pressure up front he’ll relax a lot better,” Newitt said.
“His acceleration is second-to-none, so I’m sure with clear running he’ll take a lot of beating.
“I’m excited the race is run here, rather than Caulfield. This track will suit him much better.
“He’s furnished right out now. He’s always been a big colt, but he’s got a great attitude and hopefully Saturday is his day.”
